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How to Prepare your Property for Professional Photos, Virtual Tour and/or Video Tour

Updated: Mar 9, 2021

Property photography has literally saved me during the pandemic. In all this time, I've learnt a few tips to make things easier for photographers and landlords alike, and to get the best possible results, so the property has a higher chance of being rented or sold as soon as possible.


Set the scene inside

  • Moving furniture around may help to make a room look more spacious.

  • Make sure your home is well lit, and replace any light bulbs that have gone out, even bedside, table and standing lamps.

  • Windows should be closed, but blinds or curtains should be wide open before the photographer arrives. This is to ensure maximum light and visibility of the views.

  • Fresh flowers help to breathe life into a property.

  • Make sure everything is clean and tidy.

  • Clean the windows.

  • Remove or hide any personal photos on display.

  • Remove or hide unnecessary cables, such as extension leads, phone chargers, etc.



The outside (Garden, Balcony, Terrace, Patio or front)

  • If possible, move any vehicles parked on the front of the property. A good advice is to park your car in front beforehand to save the space, and remove it when the photographer is ready to take the photos of the facade.

  • Remove any clutter such as bins and hoses, mower, toys, garden tools, cloth rack, etc.

  • Mow the lawn, trim the trees.

  • Clean the windows.



The entrance

  • Put your shoes, umbrellas, coats, etc in a closed cabinet or cupboard.



Reception rooms, Living rooms, Dining rooms

  • Remove scruffy throws from sofas. Nice looking throws are fine.

  • Arrange cushions to look smart and tidy.

  • Set dining room tables.

  • Remove rugs, especially where you have wooden or tiled floors.

  • Any children’s toys or piles of magazines, DVDs, remotes, etc should be out of sight.

  • Clean up the tables.

  • Switch TV, computer and laptop screens off.



Bedrooms

  • Make the beds and choose bed clothes that compliment the room.

  • Store your clothes in your wardrobes.

  • Clean and tidy up the top of desks and chests of drawers.

  • Anything stored under the bed should be completely out of sight.

  • All drawers and wardrobe doors should be shut.



Kitchen

  • Clear all work tops and tables and make sure there are no tea towels or chopping boards on show.

  • Move bins out of sight.

  • Clear away appliances.

  • Close all cupboards.

  • Hide all fridge magnets.

  • Clear the sink, don’t leave dishes in the sink.

  • If you have pets, hide their food bowls and beds.

  • A full, fresh fruit bowl can add a flash of colour.



Bathroom

  • Keep the toilet lid down.

  • Remove clutter like shower gels, hand soap, toothbrushes, etc.

  • Remove toilet paper from its holder.

  • Any towels should be neatly arranged and folded, and chosen to compliment the room.




I certainly hope these tips were useful. In summary, a tidy, clean property will make for amazing photos that will help you get it off your hands much faster!


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